Group Build: Lotus Super Twelve

Finally got the Lotus kit delivered. As the title of this build indicates this will not be a lotus in the spirit of
Colin Chapmans famous words "To add speed, add lightness". I will add something else...

Hope you like a lot of pics :)
Here are the parts laid out:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00753sm.jpg

To the left is an Mercedes 6-litre V12 from a scrapped S-class kit.
It does look a bit big compared to the tiny lotus.
First I cut off the ugly fenders using standard cotton thred used as a "band saw".
Gives a very sharp cut, but the thread breaks easily...

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00760sm.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00762sm.jpg

After looking at the V12 for some time I thought it would never fit, so I tried this other engine.
It's a straight-six made from half a testarossa boxer. Fits niceley, but would have required a lot of work on the engine itself, and I had other plans for that engine.
You can also see my choise of wheels: 15" Watanabes. The rear rims has a lot of outward depth, but I like the width...345/35-15"

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00767sm.jpg

The rear fenders needs some 11 mm of extra width. I cut them just outside of the reaction rod attachment point for the rear suspension:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00770sm.jpg

Next I'll squeese in the V12..

The Mercedes V12 looked a tad big, but I decided it had to fit. The automatic gearbox need some space in the floor for the oil pan.
And yes it will be an automatic tranny, there won't be any legroom anyway for a clutchpedal :)

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00773sm.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00775sm.jpg

With the cutout for the tranny made, The V12 slipped into place between the front suspension and the firewall.
I believe the correct expression is "like a glooove" :)

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00781sm.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00778sm.jpg

This is how it will sit:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00787sm.jpg

I haven't decided if I will use the Mercedes intake runners, or make my own.
Without intake runners I can even use the stock hood with only minor cut-outs !

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00789sm.jpg

Got the rear fenders sorted out, and started on some new engine mounts.
Also made a new crossmember that will sit under the oil pan too give some rigidity after the large portion of the floor was cut out.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00791sm.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00795sm.jpg

Hey - I don't know if you noticed this yet or not, but...



That's nuts! :screwy:

This is one crazy project! Well done so far, it looks splendid.

May be you will make the body wider?

Wow. makes me want to continue mine!!!
Euan

i think you're going to need beefier front suspension.

strangely enough, i think a lot of Seven kits are going to look like this:

http://plexxi.c-sam.nu/super7/bilder/DSC00791sm.jpg

for a while

Good luck with the big engine. My LS2 is pretty dang big in there. I said screw it, however, to the rear fenders, and just hacked them off. Another thing I did was replace the rear suspension, as I:
1) The LS2 has a rear-mounted transaxle
2) The rear differential wouldn't have covered it anyway
3) The transaxle gives me better weight distrobution.

Anyway, this is how mine looks; it's a pretty tight fit. For the record, I am going hoodless.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/deltableh/Car%20Models/Lotus-Super%202/PICT1606.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/deltableh/Car%20Models/Lotus-Super%202/PICT1604.jpg

I hope I didn't threadjack; wasn't my intention.

You can be sure I checked out your LS2 before I started mine.
Mine will not be the best balanced Super7 ever, but I see It like sort of an european "427 Cobra" ..

It looks like I will also have to beef up the suspension, as pointed out here. The stock rear axle vill probably twist and end its' days in big crunch when all the torque from the V12 is applied for the first time :)

wow, that is huge!

Hey - I don't know if you noticed this yet or not, but...



That's nuts! :screwy:

I agree!:rofl:

Looks monstrous, or something.
Please use Mercedes inteke runners. And dont use the hood. That way anybody can see that big V12

Looks monstrous, or something.
Please use Mercedes inteke runners. And dont use the hood. That way anybody can see that big V12

Or a clear hood, if you can manage to make one!

What Scale are the wanatabes

1/24 scale..
it's these:
http://www.hlj.com/product/FUJ19124

(also includes brembo disc brakes)

Update time!

I'm making this build up as I go, depending on what parts I find in the scrap-box.
It's a lot of fun testing different parts !

I'm currently working on the suspension. I will use Tamiya Testarossa A-arms and up-rights
both in front and rear since the Lotus stuff just isn't made for neither V12-power nor -weight...

Suspension will also incorporate push-rod shocks.
The rear pushrod mechanism will be fully visible from above, being placed behind the rear seats on top of the gas tank.

But first the installation of the Testarossa rear suspension and the BMW diff.
Nothing is painted yet until all styrene work is finished.

Uprights converted to fit Fujimi Brembos and wheels:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00800sm.jpg

A subframe between the left and right side, that will also contain the diff, is made from strong tubes
and some light-drilled sheets of styrene:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00801sm.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00802sm.jpg

The big bracket will connect to the original mounting points:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00804sm.jpg

Some smaller brackets connects the upper and lower subframe and are also the mounting point for the diff:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00806sm.jpg

Added some nuts made from hex-rod to complete the suspension:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00815sm.jpg

The diff is in place:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00811sm.jpg

That's some impressive workmanship.

I love seeing that something like reality is having little influence on the group build and people are letting their imaginations go nuts. :lol:

Thanks for the comment !

Working on the push-rod linkage and rear shocks...
Cut out the stock shock mounts and made new brackets. The openings will be filled
later as much as possible when I have decided exactly how the linkage will look:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00821sm.jpg

This is how the schocks will be mounted:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00824sm.jpg

The "thing" in the middle is the pivot for the stabilizer linkage. It pivots around its axle when
both rear wheels moves in the same direction, up or down, but when cornering it acts as a leaf spring
resisting body roll. It will be connected with a rod in each end leading to the upper holes in the
outer shock mount pivots.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00825sm.jpg

Wow. thats a great idea with the rear suspension. In fact its so good ive just stolen it.
Euan

Finaly, the first big engined caterham with a decent suspension. You're right when you say the standard suspension couldn't cope with all that power. Great work.

Dude, that rear suspension idea is SICK!

wow, looking good. I think I may need to do a super seven.

Finaly, the first big engined caterham with a decent suspension. You're right when you say the standard suspension couldn't cope with all that power. Great work.

Heh, I didn't get pictures of it yet, but my LS2 powered Lotus has suspension transplanted from a Corvette. I'll grab pictures when I go home for mid-semester break.

Heh, I didn't get pictures of it yet, but my LS2 powered Lotus has suspension transplanted from a Corvette. I'll grab pictures when I go home for mid-semester break.

ow i wasn't critizing you're build. This is just the first modded suspension I see. my caterham will have the standard suspension and engine, because I'm not up to this work. Srry if I offended you, it wasn't my intention.

AMAZING! that`s really cool!

Looks awesome. I really like your new frame work, terrific bit of scratchbuilding. But tell me you're going to cut apart those plastic dampers and replace the springs with wound wire!

Should be a spectacular build, looking forward to seeing the front end!

ow i wasn't critizing you're build. This is just the first modded suspension I see. my caterham will have the standard suspension and engine, because I'm not up to this work. Srry if I offended you, it wasn't my intention.

I'm not offended d00d, promise. The Super Twelve has WICKED suspension, as we all agree, and I can't do anything like it. But like I said, keep an eye out for my Lotus Super 2 (LS2) build to pop up again in mid-October, when I go home for a few days. Mine is nothing like this scratch job, really; it's mostly a chop-job hack and glue.

That looks great!
What are your plans for the front fenders?

MPWR: How can I not rebuild the dampers after that comment.. :)

For the front fenders, I haven't decided yet, but I think it will be just normal CF cycle fenders.

Shock-mounting looks great and yes, like MPWR wrote, use wire to replace the plastic springs

Small update:

The general idea for the front end is to use the testarossa A-arms and later add a pushrod suspension here too.
The track of the front axle will be almost as wide as the rear axle with these A-arms.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00831sm.jpg

Then I started to layout the exhaust headers.
The first idea was to just make 3 to 1 headers and lead them out through the body side panel and to have 2
pipes running along the car side panel on each side.
The headers are made from solder. My first try, but it works super !

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00834sm.jpg

But after a test fit you could hardly see the headers:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00836sm.jpg

So I came up with these a little bit more visible ones. Just to make sure no one misses that there are twelve pipes :)

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00838sm.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00839sm.jpg

Maybe a bit too much? They are not exactly discrete..
I'm still not sure wich ones to use..?!

MPWR: How can I not rebuild the dampers after that comment.. :)

:lol:

I hope I haven't commited you to doing something you hadn't wanted to- :uhoh: but your scratchbuildin' skills are obviously up to it. :smokin: I'm really enjoying this one- this is exactly the kind of crazyness I was hoping for when I started the group build. (Mine is going to look completely pedestrian by comparison! :rolleyes:)

As for the pipes- I think what I would do is patch the round cutout holes, and then cut two new horizontal slots, just below the top edge frame rail (or I suppose you could do one long slot for all six pipes). Then do the 3 to 1 headers outside the body, running to a pair of resonators. Something a bit closer to this-

http://westfield-world.com/Pix/fea/T5.jpg

I like the look of all the pipes parallel exiting the body, but running them over the top of the frame looks a bit contorted. Below the frame rail will be a more natural (and better breathing) angle, but they'll still look great!

Just a thought....

Wow! Your suspension work is awesome! It really makes the V12 work out! I agree with MPWR - cut out the top edge of the engine bay sides, and have the pipes come straight out. BAM! There are the 12 pipes, and they'll flow (and look) better. Keep it up!

I'm still struggling with how to make the headers, so I decided to take a break and begin some other stuff.

I have made reinforcements that will go in the side walls of the cockpit to stiffen up the chassi.
These will be aluminum finish while the sidewall behind will be carbon fibre.
(They will sit flush with the sidewall, not like in the second picture..)

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00840sm.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00841sm.jpg

Then I started the front suspension push rod linkage and shock absorbers.
No real thought behind using this layout, it just looks kind of cool and the shocks will be
hidden under the front cowl.
The pivots are angled so that the shock absorber can sit up front where the radiator used to be. The next question is where to put the radiator, and perhaps more interesting: How will I ever be able fit a radiator with capacity for a 6 l. engine under the lotus front cowl. I have some ideas.. :wink:

It's also premiere for my new project photo background. :grinyes: I have my workbench covered by a layer of sturdy
package wrapping paper. When it gets messed up by paint and glue I just grab the right end and pull out a
new layer from the roll of paper that is attached to the left short-end of my bench. So I cut out a sheet
of this paper and put it in my printer..
Enjoy:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00987sm.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00986sm.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC00988sm.jpg

This is one hell of a project! Makes me want to start workin on my stalled projects again...Truly inspirational stuff! Keep those updates comin :P

Looks good. I wish I could race my LS2 against your Benz 12 :p

Wow dont know how ive missed this one!
Your suspension work is coming out great, and especially for just kinda makin up as you go!:D its given me some inspiration.
All the different things with the body and width and suspension really seam to make the Benz 12 work, its seemed to change the entire scale of the car.
Good luck with the radiator and the other engine gear. Maybe for the rad. make a custom big mouth front air damn with the radiator mounted at an angle either forward or back.? im not sure what else you could even do. :lol:
Idk but whatever you do im sure it will look great judging by so far. Keep up the great work and progress!!

Time for an update.
No big things but a lot of thinking non the less.
The engine has got some basic painting and blackwash.

The Mercedes intake runners needed some detailing. I made conical filters and intake hoses. A bit of CF finished it off.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01030sm.jpg


Then I fabricated some hinges for the nose cone.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01011sm.jpg

Some cut-outs for the push-rod pivot and the shocks. Somehow there must be space for a radiator in there aswell:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01014sm.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01015sm.jpg

Then It was time to trim off the stock hood and hinge it to the firewall.
This is what was left after a big V12-sized hole was cut in it :)

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01016sm.jpg

Engine compartment open:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01019sm.jpg

..and closed:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01024sm.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01018sm.jpg


started to paint and assemble the rear end:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01028sm.jpg

DUDE! I love that hood system... if I had the skills, I'd ask if I could gang it from you!

I am SO jealous!

Wow, that looks great! Mind sharing how you made those conical airfilters? They look superb!

More cool progress every time I look! Looks like the radiator will be some challenge- but that big Merc can't do without one. :grinno: I'd probably hang the oil and transmission fluid coolers (you are going to include them, right? :rolleyes:) behind the rear suspension. Hey, someone stole your battery, too! I love the way the shortened drive shafts from the Testarossa suspension look mounted up. Really looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.

Excellent work! the "hood" looks great lol
this project is coming along very well it looks almost as though it could be done in 1:1 :D Keep the updates comin!

Thanks for the comments !

The conical filters were made like this:
First I made a conical shape of styrene rod using a drill machine as a "lathe"
Then I made the scores around the cone using the edge of a file.
Then just paint and finish off with some "discs" in each end.

MPWR: The battery is removed because I will convert to LHD. Regarding the cooling problem I will install a radiator (and probably an oil cooler) under the nose cone and then one smaller radiator on each side of the nose cone, just in front of the wishbones. I think it might work with a lot of smaller fans.. :)
They will be angled slightly so the front wheels don't scrub them when turning.

WRC: It will probably be a bigger task in 1:1 scale, but the main problem will be to find a testarossa to get the suspension pieces from ;)

Damn this looking cool :)

this is simply amazing. A shame that I didn't find it sooner. you have just about inspired me to get back to work on some of my projects. Your craftsmanship rivals that of some of our top award winning builders. Seems as though you have left no detail untouched! or unmodified for that matter!!! The only thing that really pops out at me is the rear fenders. I'd be trying to come up with some way to make the body flare out into them a little bit. They just seem too....out of place. But all in all it looks friggin sweet

This is a great project. Fantastic scratch-building. I think how you hinged the nose is perfect and elegant. The rear suspension is excellent, keep up the great work on this uber-cool model.

I think it needs a cover over the top of the engine that exposes some of the intake plenum, and the airfilters to come out the sides. it could be fixed to the engine, and removeable with hood pins.

I honestly didn't think it'd turn out as good as it is. keep up the great work!

Small update..
Since last time I tested the stance of the car and realized that the track of the front axle
was way to wide. It didn't look very good when it had the same width as the rear fenders so I
had to modify the A-arms and the trackrod.. :(
Oh well... at least it looks better now.

Have made some cycle fenders from the rear wheel housings of an old scrapped porsche 959.
On the inside I made a connecting bracket to the hub. Still a little rough:


http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01031sm.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01034sm.jpg

A stance test:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01041sm.jpg

Great stuff, Martin! :D

wow, that looks sweet with those monsterous wheels and wheel tubs.

Sunday night update with the progress of this weekend. Hope I'm not boring you to death with the detailed build descriptions..

Today has been "cool" day, with lots of radiator fabrication ;)
I've scratchbuilt an oilcooler for the transmission. It will sit on the rollbar behind the driver.

I began by sandwiching some textured styrene sheets to make the cooler core.
Then I made the small fans by glueing small wings to a cylindrical center piece cut from sheet styrene with a belt hole puncher (great tool..)
To attach the fan to the cooler and to resemble a fan motor I took another cylinder of styrene and drilled three 0.45mm holes from the side.
Then I glued some wire in the holes.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/oilcooler.jpg

The fan was glued to the "motor", the three wires were bent and inserted in drilled holes in the cooler core.
The oilcooler assembled (18 x 9mm):

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01069sm.jpg

I have also scratched the main radiator in much the same way:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01057sm.jpg

It will have one bigger fan.


The fenders have been primered and attached to the hubs. I really enjoy making theese pin-locator fixing elements.
It's soo much easier to build and paint when you can test-assemble and dissasemble the hole car many times without using any glue.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01055sm.jpg

Here is how far I have come. You can also see the begining of the roll-bar:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01074sm.jpg

You sick monkey. :eek: :grinyes:

I love how this is coming out. Crazy ambitious, but you're really making it work! Great thead to keep an eye on. :popcorn:Your scratchbuilding skills are terrific as ever. (And don't worry about including too much detail- that's the kind of stuff most of us really enjoy). I like the roll cage, and the wiiide front cycle fenders give it a vicious looking stance.

What are you using for the braided oil line?

Double "wow" with a pinch of "eek" topped of with a dash of "awsome" !

Personally, I love this kind of thread so pile it on!!!

It come out fantastic, push me to start mine ;)

Excellent work on the fans. Also great idea with the pin-locator fixing elements. Sure makes construction and test fitting a lot easier.

It come out fantastic, push me to start mine ;)
Oh Lord! Another WIP?!?!?!? :screwy: :rolleyes: LOFL

This looks really good man. Wide tyres look a bit awkward from some angles, though.

Thanks all !

MPWR: The braided lines are made from what I believe is called solder wick or desoldering braid. The stuff you use to suck up molten solder when removing electrical components from circuit boards. Once bent into shape it can also be strengthened by brushing on CA-glue wich gets sucked in between the wires..

looking GREAT. I love the form fitting radiator

Small update.
I have finished the rollbar and made a set of silencers today. Made from aluminum and brass tubing. They will sit along the body side.
The oilcooler I started last time is also painted and more or less finished.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01088sm.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/plexxi/lotus/DSC01082sm.jpg